2004 Holden Astra CD from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

I found the light bulb on the Astra very hard to change. The H1 and H7 is hard, but manageable. I have changed to the ones I like. But the 3rd set of lights, the small head light, is so hard to change. I have tried many many times, and I have given up.

Can someone advise me on how to change it??

Thanks :)

I have a 2004 CD Astra Hatch and had been very pleased except for recurring problems with the Traction Control light coming on resulting in loss of power have had to drive it in manual mode to avoid having an accident to limp home. Going in for a second opinion last time they rewired new earth leads to chassis to eliminate an earth issue??? Well it didn't work - warranty runs out in 3 months fear they are stalling or really don't know what to do! Otherwise love my Astra just hope we can fix the traction control problem soon.

After owning a 2001 Astra 1.8 CD sedan (Z18XE engine) since new, I can provide some insight into these vehicles.

Good on fuel economy, but use premium unleaded for even better running and economy.

ABS works great and has saved my bacon a couple of times.

Now for the problems:

- replace disc pads and rotors with quality non genuine parts. This will get rid of the black crap that goes all over the wheels. Original discs are too soft and pads too hard for them.

- replace timing belt on time at 60K intervals and install full cam kit which includes belt, tensioner, idlers and new crankshaft bolt.

- with idle problems such as hunting whilst stopped at traffic lights etc, clean throttle body (TB) and in particular the butterfly valve. Vacuum lines to the TB should also be checked for blockages and contamination.

- the Ecotec plastic engine cover can rub and cause wear to some of the rubber hose lines, particularly the TB cooling line that tucks in under the RHS front cut out of the cover

- the ignition switch is known to freeze up and it can mean a tow if it fails. This can happen on very hot days. Mine was replaced under warranty after only 12 months, but is starting to tighten up again. I believe locksmiths can perform a permanent fix and this is worth a phone call or two if this problem occurs.

Other than these problems a nice car to drive, but keep on top of this maintenance.

Hi All. I have a 2002 Astra 1.8lt and have been advised today that the ECU computer needs to be replaced for $1500 (quoted by Holden of course). As you can imagine I was flabbergasted that after 6 years the whole computer in my car needs to be replaced. Is it reasonable to expect to have to replace the computer every 6 years or is this a fault with any Astra's that were made in 2002? Has anyone else had this problem?

The symptoms are that the light with the car and spanner comes on, the engine starts running rough and can cut out during travel. Bunny hops are also a symptom.

Amy.